Heparin is a type of anticoagulant that inhibits the blood from from clotting. Heparin is commonly referred to as a blood thinner, but does not literally thin the blood. Heparin acts by decreasing the blood's clotting capability. Therefore, Heparin does not break down blood clots, but can prevent them from getting worse.

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots

• Hair loss
• Bruising
• Blood in urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

• Nosebleed
• Blood in urine
• Tarry stool
• Easily bruising
• Abnormal bleeding
• Blood in stool
• Vomit that has blood or looks like coffee grinds

In January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States issued a warning on Heparin. The warning stemmed from a series of deaths and allergic reactions suspected to have been caused by Heparin. In the spring of 2008, an investigation revealed that the heparin used, which had been made from imported Chinese ingredients, was contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. Baxter International recalled some of its heparin products. The United States has banned the import of products from the Chinese company.FDA: Baxter Issues Urgent Nationwide Voluntary Recall... (January 25, 2008)Associated Press: US, Europe, Australia to expand drug inspections (July 9, 2007)

In Corpus Christi, Texas, 17 infants have had a suspected heparin overdosed. One of the infants died one July 8, 2008. The infant was previously ill so the cause of death is unclear. An investigation revealed that the overdoses were due to a pharmaceutical error while mixing the drug solution.chron.com: Did heparin kill Corpus Christi infant? Autopsy to tell(July 9, 2008)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking heparin.

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